The Potsdam High School Key Club and 10th Grade Class sponsored the Potsdam Idol Talent Show on Friday, June 11th. The show consisted of sixteen individual and group music acts along with the High School Jazz Band. Songs performed represented the wide range of skills possessed by the contestants. From country to pop there was something for everyone’s taste. During the intermission, the 10th Grade Class held a bake sale with many delectable treats. Troy O’Brien took 1st Place with his rendition of Hallelujah. 2nd Place went to Nicholas Matott performing a jazz song “Feeling Good.” There was a tie for 3rd Place between Emily Deon who performed “Imaginary” and the group Specialty Slice and their version of “Paparazzi.” The group consisted of Lawrence Hazen, Liz Miraglia and Jake Carter. The People’s Choice Award went to the group North Country Acoustics for their performance of “38 Years Old.” Members of the group are Kris Weems, Shawn Stone and Jerry Oakes. The Key Club’s share of the proceeds was $750.00 which will be donated to Engage Now Africa. The funds will be used to help build a four room school in Gembeltu, Ethiopia

The Potsdam High School Key Club at their first meeting last September talked about hosting a Relay For Life. On Friday and early Saturday morning, three members and three great students, along with their advisor Mr. Van Ells, amid the help of Ms. Martin and Ms. Simmons, finish the 9 month trip by participating in the Relay For Life in Louisville, NY. They were one of 52 teams that helped to raise over $28,000 for the American Cancer Society continued research to find a cure for this devastating illness. Our Key Club team raised $755.00 towards this effort. The money came from donations, Staff Dress Down Day, Hat Day, Bake Sale and Dunking our good natured principal, Mrs. Chambers. The Relay began 6:00 PM with an opening ceremony that reminded the 555 participants the importance of the mission. The names of the local survivors who had come out for the event were read. The survivors took the first lap of the Relay followed by the caregivers. Local radio stations broadcast live from the Relay and entertainment was provided by several professional DJ's throughout the evening. At 9:00 PM the Luminaria were lit surrounding the whole track. Each one honors a survivor or remembers a victim of Cancer. At 11:00 PM there was a Team Talent Show which was won by our very own Evan Drummatter and LJ Kelly. Throughout the night there were a number of theme laps for Best Costume, Purple Outfit, Cowgirl/Cowboy, Pj's, Crazy Hats, Crazy Socks, Teddy Bear, Blankie and Bed Head. Many of the teams decorated their campsites with different themes. They also ran fund raisers. Evan and LJ were just playing guitar and singing when someone threw some money in the guitar case. From that came a night of request and singing that in the end raised $52.00 to add to our team total. Despite occasional rain throughout the night, the Relay was an experience that will not be soon forgotten.

Potsdam High School Key Club Host Easter Egg Hunt

The Potsdam High School Key Club hosted a Easter Egg Hunt for children at the Lawrence Avenue Playground on Saturday, April 3rd. The hunt was divided into two groups with children under seven coming at 1:00 PM and children seven and older coming at 2:00 PM. Approximately 60 children and their parents attended. In addition to the Egg Hunt, there was face painting, a coloring activity and an egg race. Key Club is the oldest and largest service program for high school students. The Key Club motto states “Caring – Our Way of Life.”

Key Club Raises Money for Haiti

The Potsdam High School Key Club responded to the disaster in Haiti with two events. The first was "I Support Haiti Day." Students had an opportunity to donate $1.00 during lunch on Friday, January 29th. Each student who donated was asked to sign a card. The cards were displayed in the hallway outside the cafeteria. High School students and staff donated $71.00.

The second event was a Fun Night at the Middle School for 5th and 6th grade students. Key Club members provided activities in the gym, as well a DJ (Alias Mr. Baxter) in the cafeteria. Students were chatged a $5.00 admission for the 3 hour event. Refreshments were also available. Over 100 students attended. After expenses and with the addition of the "I Support Haiti." donations, the Potsdam High School Key Club is able to make a donation of $400 to the American Red Cross Haitian Relief Fund.

Hank Fest and Key Club

Sunday, September 20, 2009 - With country music filling the air at Ives Park in tribute to Hank Williams, members of the Potsdam High School Key Club were busy entertaining the children. Key club members passed out balloons, provided crafts and play games with the kids. Lawn Bowing, Egg on Spoon Race, Hoola Hoop and Jump Rope were just some of the games organised by club members. Club members participating in this event included; Hui Yang, Frances Clark, Marty LaFluer, Michael Ingram, Zach Adams, Tess Curry, Chris Whispell and Tess Hazen.